Amos 7:15

But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to My people Israel.'

Study Bible

But the LORD took me from following the flock
This phrase highlights Amos's humble beginnings as a shepherd, emphasizing God's sovereign choice in calling individuals from ordinary backgrounds for His purposes. Shepherding was a common occupation in ancient Israel, often associated with figures like David, who was also called from tending sheep to lead Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13). This reflects the biblical theme of God choosing the lowly and unexpected to fulfill His plans (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). The imagery of a shepherd is significant throughout Scripture, symbolizing care, guidance, and leadership, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).

and said to me,
This indicates direct divine communication, a hallmark of prophetic calling. In the Old Testament, God often spoke to His prophets through visions, dreams, or direct speech, as seen with Moses (Exodus 3:4) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8). This personal encounter underscores the authority and authenticity of Amos's message, as he is not self-appointed but divinely commissioned.

‘Go,
The command to "go" signifies a mission and a change in direction, often involving leaving one's comfort zone or previous life. This mirrors the call of other prophets and apostles, such as Jonah (Jonah 1:2) and the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples (Matthew 28:19). It emphasizes obedience and the urgency of the prophetic message.

prophesy to My people Israel.’
Amos is specifically sent to prophesy to Israel, the northern kingdom, during a time of prosperity but also moral and spiritual decline. This highlights God's concern for His covenant people and His desire for their repentance and return to righteousness. The role of a prophet was to be God's spokesperson, delivering messages of warning, judgment, and hope. Amos's message is consistent with the prophetic tradition of calling Israel back to faithfulness, as seen in the ministries of Elijah (1 Kings 18:21) and Hosea (Hosea 14:1). The phrase "My people" underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, despite their unfaithfulness, pointing to God's enduring love and commitment to His people, ultimately fulfilled in the New Covenant through Christ (Hebrews 8:10).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, called by God to be a prophet to Israel. His humble beginnings highlight God's ability to use anyone for His purposes.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who calls and commissions Amos to deliver His message to the people of Israel.

3. Israel
The northern kingdom, which had turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and social injustice. Amos is sent to prophesy against their sins.

4. Tekoa
A small town in Judah, south of Jerusalem, where Amos was from. It emphasizes the contrast between Amos's origins and his mission field in Israel.

5. Prophecy
The act of delivering God's message. Amos's role as a prophet was to speak God's truth to a wayward nation.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereign Choice
God chooses whom He wills, regardless of their background or status. Amos's call reminds us that God can use anyone for His purposes.

Obedience to God's Call
Amos's response to God's call is immediate and obedient. We should be ready to respond to God's call in our lives, even if it leads us out of our comfort zones.

The Importance of Prophecy
Prophecy is a vital part of God's communication with His people. We should value and heed the messages God sends through His chosen messengers.

God's Concern for Justice
Amos's message to Israel was one of justice and righteousness. We are called to reflect God's heart for justice in our own lives and communities.

Faithfulness in Small Beginnings
Amos's humble beginnings as a shepherd remind us that faithfulness in small tasks can lead to greater responsibilities in God's kingdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Amos's background as a shepherd influence your understanding of his prophetic ministry?

2. In what ways can you relate to Amos's call to leave his familiar surroundings to fulfill God's purpose?

3. How does the account of Amos challenge you to respond to God's call in your own life, even if it seems daunting?

4. What parallels can you draw between Amos's message to Israel and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

5. How can you apply the principles of justice and righteousness from Amos's prophecy to your daily life and community involvement?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16
Just as God chose David, a shepherd, to be king, He chose Amos, a shepherd, to be a prophet. This highlights God's pattern of calling unlikely individuals for His purposes.

Exodus 3
Moses was called by God from tending sheep to lead Israel out of Egypt, similar to Amos's call from shepherding to prophesying.

Matthew 4
Jesus calls fishermen to be His disciples, showing that God often calls ordinary people to extraordinary tasks.